Kay Keener Benson

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, beloved mother and grandmother Kay Benson passed away suddenly at home at age 83. Kay was born in Harrisburg, PA on November 4, 1938 to Artyaneas and Jeannette (Ring) Keener. She graduated from William Penn High School, in Harrisburg, PA and earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Shippensburg University. Beginning in 1960, she worked as an elementary school teacher in Carlyle, PA.

Kay married Karl Benson in 1964 and later moved to the Reading area, eventually settling in Wyomissing Hills in 1973. She worked as a substitute teacher in the Wyomissing Area School district for several years, before she and Karl started their own business, Unique Safety Analysis, with Karl working as an independent safety inspector and consultant and Kay managing the home office.

Kay was an avid sports fan, eagerly following her favorite Pennsylvania teams. She enjoyed playing bridge and also loved music, especially Broadway musicals, which she attended with her friends and family.

When Kay was a child, she contracted polio and spent months in the hospital. She recovered and was able to lead an active life until post-polio syndrome struck in her late forties. Since that time she struggled with mobility but remained intent on living an independent life.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, her sharp sense of humor, her strength, and her love for her family. Kay's family would like to thank her neighbors on Cheltenham Drive for their friendship and support.

Kay is survived by her daughter Karlyn Benson and her husband Greg Slick of Beacon, NY; daughter Kimberly Benson and her husband Charles Baraw of Newtown, CT; grandsons Elijah and Henry Baraw; and her niece Karen Keener of West Hills, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband Karl N. Benson, her brother Art Keener, and her sister Betty Keener.

The family plans to hold a memorial for Kay at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's honor can be made to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County, 58 Kennel Rd, Birdsboro, PA 19508 berksarl.org or Planned Parenthood, plannedparenthood.org. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.